SPOKANE, Wash. — The first snowstorm of the season is expected for Wednesday, so it’s time to activate your winter driving mode.
To help ensure everyone’s safety on the road The Washington Department of Transportation (WSDOT), American Automobile Association (AAA), and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration put together winter driving tips and a checklist of supplies to keep in your car for winter travel.
Everyday items to carry in your vehicle:
Abrasive material (sand or kitty litter), in case your vehicle gets stuck in the snow.Jumper cables, glass scraper, flashlight, and warning devices (flares and emergency markers).First aid kit.Bundle of cold-weather gear such as blankets, warm clothing, extra food, and water.Cell phone charger, extra food, water, and necessary medicine.
Tips for driving in the snow:
Make certain your tires are properly inflated and have plenty of tread.Keep at least half a tank of fuel in your vehicle at all times.Never warm up a vehicle in an enclosed area, such as a garage.Do not use cruise control when driving on any slippery surface, such as on ice and snow.Turn on your headlights.Accelerate and decelerate slowly. Apply the gas slowly to regain traction and avoid skids. It takes longer to slow down on icy roads.Increase your following distance to five to six seconds.Know your brakes. Whether you have antilock brakes or not, keep the heel of your foot on the floor and use the ball of your foot to apply firm, steady pressure on the brake pedal.Four-wheel and all-wheel vehicles do not stop or steer better on ice.
For a full checklist use the following links from NHTSA, WSDOT, and AAA.
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